Rutherford Falls

Watched the first three freebies, was on the fence. Decided to go with the subscription just to finish the season. Super-glad we did-it really picks up, gains the kind of momentum that's left us eager for a second season so we can see how things work out for characters we've come to care about. If they don't renew, even after Michael Greyeyes'.win at the Canadian Screen Awards? I can't imagine keeping up with the subscription-Rutherford Falls is our sole reason for subscribing,

This very funny series has Ed Helms as a likable but brittle museum operator and Jana Schmieding as his long-time friend who find themselves embroiled in an argument over an attempt to move a historic statue.

While some people are rolling their eyes at the series' "wokeness," this series offers a sharp, smart portrayal of a complex issue. Helm's Nathan really is a nice guy, a genuine history lover who puts a lot of effort into boosting Schmieding's Reagan. At the same time he's clueless to the way the world works differently for non-white non-men, offering Reagan the sort of "just ask for things and people will give them to you" advice of someone who lives in a bubble. And when his world view is threatened challenged he pretty much melts down.

It's putting a face to white fragility and the nature of privilege in a way that doesn't turn Nathan into a "bad guy." And it's a series that portrays Native Americans as a mixed lot; Reagan is wonderful but she's got some awful co-workers at her casino/museum, and her boss is a fascinating Machiavellian character.

Of course if you're offended by the whole concept of "white privilege" than that complexity and subtlety will mean nothing to you, in the same way that the complexity's of "Dear White People" mean nothing to the people who felt the title itself was some sort of personal attack.

So if you're one of those fragile, easily offended people, you're bound to be offended. But if you're at all reasonable you'll appreciate how smartly this series addresses these issues, and how it humanizes all sides.

Also it's really, really funny.

Great show. *Highly* recommended.

This is what happens when you have a diverse cast AND writer's room; you get a show where indigenous characters are real people, not caricatures. This show subverts so many stereotypes, and does so in an incredibly entertaining way!

Like a lot of Mike Schur projects, this series only hit its stride after a slightly awkward beginning. The first two episodes might be the weakest ones, but concentrate on the amazing acting talent of Michael Greyeyes (who also seems to have A LOT of fun playing this part) and others until the whole cast has caught up and is feeling their storylines. Then, the show hits its stride.

Some of the most insightful funny dialogue, an amazing cast of Native American actors and the familiar feeling of... Pawnee? Mike Schur Land, for sure.

This is the first comedy that isn't at the expense of a marginalized group. It's funny and cute. Ed Helms is whatever but the other actors and actresses are great!